Olsen Palmer Advises Bank of Cleveland in its Agreement to be Acquired by Builtwell Bank

Bradley County Financial Corp. (“Bradley”), the holding company of Bank of Cleveland and Builtwell Bancorp, Inc. (“Builtwell”), the holding company of Builtwell Bank,  announced today an agreement whereby Builtwell and Bradley will merge. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Builtwell will be the surviving entity and will be the parent company of both Builtwell Bank and Bank of Cleveland until Bank of Cleveland is merged with and into Builtwell Bank at a later date.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Bradley County Financial Corp. and issued a fairness opinion to its Board of Directors.

The transaction, which has been approved by the Board of Directors of both companies and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Based on most recent reported financials, the combined institution is expected to have approximately $2.2 billion in total assets and 37 banking offices.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Johnson County Bank in its Sale to Skyline National Bank

Johnson County Bank and Skyline Bankshares, Inc. (“Skyline”, OTCQX: SLBK), the holding company of Skyline National Bank, announced today that they have combined their companies. Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson County Bank merged with and into Skyline National Bank in an all cash transaction valued at $25.0 million. Furthermore, one Johnson County Bank director, the previous CEO of Johnson County Bank, has joined the Skyline Board of Directors.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Johnson County Bank in connection with this transaction and issued a Fairness Opinion to its Board of Directors.

Luse Gorman, PC acted as legal advisor to Johnson County Bank in connection with the transaction.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Algonquin State Bank in its Sale to Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Algonquin State Bank and its parent holding company, First Algonquin Company, announced that it has been acquired by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). Pursuant to the definitive agreement, MSUFCU purchased substantially all assets and assumed substantially all liabilities of Algonquin State Bank.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to  First Algonquin Company.

With the transaction finalized, the combined institution has approximately $8.0 billion in assets. Vedder Price P.C. acted as legal advisor to Algonquin State Bank in connection with the transaction.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises First Minnetonka City Bank in its Agreement to be Acquired by Bridgewater Bank

First Minnetonka City Bank and Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWB) (“Bridgewater”), the parent company of Bridgewater Bank, announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which Bridgewater would acquire First Minnetonka City Bank in an all-cash transaction.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to First Minnetonka Bancorporation, Inc.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by each company’s board of directors and by the shareholders of First Minnetonka City Bank’s parent company, First Minnetonka Bancorporation, Inc. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

At the closing of the transaction, First Minnetonka City Bank will merge with and into Bridgewater Bank. The combined organization is expected to have approximately $4.9 billion in total assets, $4.0 billion in deposits, $3.9 billion in              loans and leases.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Bank of Ripley in its Agreement to be Acquired by Security Bank and Trust Company

Bancshares of Ripley, Inc. (“BRI”), the parent company of Bank of Ripley (“Bank of Ripley” and collectively with BRI, “Ripley”), and Security Bancshares, Inc. (“SBI”), the parent company of Security Bank and Trust Company (“Security Bank” and collectively with SBI, “Security”), announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the merger of SBI and BRI, with SBI to be the surviving entity, and the merger of Security Bank and Bank of Ripley, with Security Bank to be the surviving entity.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Bancshares of Ripley, Inc. in connection with this transaction.

Upon completion of the transaction, security will maintain the Ripley name and branding for a period of time and Craig Fitzhugh, Ripley Chairman and CEO, will join the Security team as a member of its Board of Directors.

The definitive agreement has been unanimously approved by the respective Boards of Directors of Security and Ripley. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of Ripley, is expected to close in the fourth  quarter of 2024.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)